Distribution of bilateral dental caries in first permanent molars of vulnerable Colombian schoolchildren: an epidemiological analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rfo.v38n1e361720Keywords:
dental caries, child, socioeconomic factors, cross-sectional studies, ColombiaAbstract
Introduction: the World Health Organization has established a global target to reduce the prevalence of oral diseases by 10 % by 2030. However, significant disparities persist between high- and low-income countries, in Latin American nations such as Colombia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela report some of the lowest standardized oral health care indices worldwide. In this context, strengthening primary health care and early detection strategies tailored to specific settings is essential to improve dental caries prevention. This study aimed to determine bilateral dental caries patterns in first permanent molars and their association with individual and socioeconomic factors among children attending a university dental clinic on Colombian Caribbean region. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study was applied to a census sample of children aged 5-12 years. Dental caries prevalence in maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars was assessed using ICDAS II criteria. Associations with socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical variables were analyzed. Bilateral dental caries was evaluated using the chi-square symmetry test and the Stuart-Maxwell test for marginal homogeneity. Results: caries in first permanent molars were present in 70.87 % of children, with higher bilateral prevalence in mandibular molars (61.17 %) than in maxillary molars (32.04 %). The distribution was symmetrical and homogeneous, particularly in the mandibular molars. Bilateral involvement was more frequent among children aged 7-9 years and those from households earning below the legal minimum wage. Conclusions: the findings suggest that caries showed an early bilateral pattern and was associated with socioeconomic disadvantage. Strengthening preventive strategies in socially vulnerable populations, particularly among children aged 7-9 years, is recommended.
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